25 Don't look

Zhàn Jì knew that this Old Master Song had a fiery temper and didn't dare to offend him. He said, "Rest assured, sir. I invited you here today to deal with the matter of the two children clearly. Please be patient."

Song Shian also comforted his grandfather from the side, saying, "When Sister Xi comes out in a while, we will ask her first. We can't let everything be dictated by their family."

Old Master Song angrily said, "No matter what, just because Zhan Bei Wang went to war for a year, our Xi girl waited for him for a year, served her parents-in-law, treated her uncles and aunts kindly, and managed the household. He shouldn't bully her like this."

"Old man, please calm down. Wait until everyone is here, and then you can speak," Zhan Bei Wang said lightly.

He dared not invite the neighbors because the neighboring houses were all official residences. Inviting officials to witness his divorce would be detrimental to his career. Initially, Zhan Bei Wang wanted to invite the official in charge of household registration to come over and stamp the divorce letter, but he decided to personally deliver the letter to the yamen afterward, preferring not to have too many witnesses.

From the general's mansion, all the elders were invited as well. Zhan Bei Wang's grandmother had passed away early, but the second wife of the second branch was still alive. Over the years, the second branch hadn't produced many capable people. Only one had entered officialdom, holding a minor position similar to Zhan Ji and Zhan Bei Qing. The two branches had long since separated, only meeting during holidays or major events.

Now, the second wife of the second branch, being an elder, was invited over. When she arrived, she learned that Zhan Bei Wang intended to divorce his wife, which surprised her. Divorcing his wife at this critical moment would be self-destructive. However, she quickly understood the reasoning. The Song family had declined, and no matter how illustrious the Zhenbei Marquis was in the past, the current marquisate had no successors.

Yesterday's glory had turned to dust, while General Yi Fang was the first female general in the current dynasty, favored by the Empress Dowager, and the current Emperor, being a filial ruler, would surely allow her to continue rising, even without further military achievements. The Empress Dowager would want her to be a role model for other women.

With Yi Fang's assistance, Zhan Bei Wang would naturally rise step by step in the future. Regardless, it was better than being with Song Xi Xi, as the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion could no longer support his career. Still, there was no need to divorce her, unless Yi Fang refused to be a concubine and couldn't tolerate Song Xi Xi, forcing a choice.

Song Xi Xi's jealousy and disobedience, she had heard of upon arrival. With these two grounds, Song Xi Xi could indeed be divorced. But everyone had witnessed how Song Xi Xi treated her mother-in-law this past year, being very filial. As for jealousy, what woman in the inner chambers isn't jealous? If every jealous woman were to be divorced, wouldn't the streets be filled with abandoned women?

Song Xi Xi's current temper tantrum was likely an attempt to assert herself in front of Yi Fang. Understanding this, a bit of placating should avoid a divorce. Thus, the second wife of the second branch was certain that Yi Fang couldn't tolerate Song Xi Xi and wanted to divorce the original wife before entering the door to become the legitimate wife herself.

Indeed, a woman with such prospects wouldn't be content being a concubine. Therefore, the second wife of the second branch decided not to speak, lest she offend both sides.

"Why isn't she here yet? Send someone to hurry her!" The old lady of the Zhan family grew impatient and urged the servants to find her.

A servant hurried off but instead brought back a letter for Zhan Bei Wang from General Yi Fang. Zhan Bei Wang thought Yi Fang might be pleading on behalf of Song Xi Xi, feeling she couldn't bear for her to be divorced. He sighed, knowing Yi Fang always protected other women, but Song Xi Xi didn't appreciate it.

He walked out to a corner of the veranda and opened the letter, only to be stunned after reading it. He then picked up the letter again to carefully examine the handwriting, confirming it was indeed Yi Fang's.

But hadn't they agreed not to take Song Xi Xi's dowry? Why did Yi Fang state in the letter that half of the dowry must be retained? The reasoning was sound, saying it was legally required and that not retaining the dowry would make the general's mansion appear at fault.

The letter also mentioned that retaining only half the dowry was generous; other families would keep everything. But as a man, Zhan Bei Wang couldn't take a divorced wife's dowry. If word got out, his reputation would be ruined. While his mind was in turmoil, he looked up to see Song Xi Xi standing before him.

He hadn't heard her approach, and it startled him, causing the letter to fall to the ground. Song Xi Xi glanced down, and Zhan Bei Wang shouted, "Don't look!" He quickly bent down to pick up the letter and hurriedly hid it in his sleeve.